CHANGES have been approved for the final phase of a large Chester landfill site.

CHANGES have been approved for the final phase of a large Chester landfill site.

Applicants 3C Waste have had approval from Cheshire County Council to alter the sequence of operations in phase four of the Gowy landfill site, close to the River Gowy off Ince Lane, Wimbolds Trafford, which has been in use since 1988.

The company told the county council there would be no change to the final land-form of the site but the sequence of working, landfilling and restoration would be altered from the original permission.

County planners had one representation from a local resident, according to a County Hall report.

The occupier, who does not object, asked for additional screening measures to minimise the noise and visual impact of the final phase of the site and was backed by Mickle Trafford and District Parish Council.

Principal planning officer Jon Sutcliffe told county councillors in a report the original intention was to work the phase in eight separate sections with vehicles using a central access road.

3C Waste now plans to operate the phase in four sections running in strips across the site.

As a result, the access road would be relocated to run along the edge of the site, 80 metres closer to the nearest residential properties which would still be more than 200 metres away.

Mr Sutcliffe says any additional noise would not be unacceptable and the new method of working could reduce odours and improve the control of gas.

Although the resident and parish councillors had asked for a screening mound to be extended, 3C Waste say the land which would be required is not in their ownership and the company feels the additional screening would be slight and is not necessary.

Mr Sutcliffe recommended that the application should be approved. The county's development regulatory committee agreed the changes should have permission subject to conditions and to no objection from Chester City Council.